Videos Company: What Are Explainer Videos?
Have you ever tried to figure out how something works, say, your new blender, a banking app, or that home Wi-Fi setup, and ended up five minutes into a confusing instruction manual or a help page that somehow made things less clear? Then, just as you are ready to give up, you spot a short video online. You press play, and in under two minutes, everything makes sense. No jargon. No fluff. Just a simple walkthrough that connects the dots. That is the everyday magic of an explainer video. No sales pitch. No lecture. Just clear, well-paced information that helps people understand what they are dealing with. Explainer videos are often created by a videos company to take ideas, big or small, and break them down in a way that makes sense to the people watching. Whether it is for a product, a service, or an idea, explainer videos do the job that long paragraphs and static images often cannot. Let’s take a closer look at what they are, how they work, and why it matters.
What Is an Explainer Video?
An explainer video is a short and informative video that breaks down a topic, service, or idea. It usually runs between 60 and 90 seconds and is created to help viewers understand what you do, how something works, or why it matters.
These videos often use a mix of clear visuals, voiceover, and narrative to guide the viewer. The style can vary, some are animated, others use real people and settings. The main thing is that the video focuses on one idea and gets to the point without overwhelming the viewer.
A videos company would often use explainer videos to help a business present an offering, address customer questions, or even introduce a new feature or concept. The goal is not to overload the viewer with detail but to give them exactly what they need to know.
What Makes a Good Explainer Video?
Short and Sweet
Attention spans are short. A good explainer video reflects this by getting straight to the point. A videos company will typically recommend keeping it under 90 seconds. This forces the message to be clear and focused. Shorter videos are also easier to remember. They give just enough information to move the viewer closer to taking action without dragging things out.
Incorporate Storytelling
Storytelling is what keeps people watching. It does not mean inventing a dramatic plot, it could be as simple as showing a common problem and how it can be fixed. A videos company will often frame the message in a relatable way, using examples or situations that the audience can see themselves in. This makes the message feel more relevant, and it helps the viewer stay connected to the idea being explained.
Strong Call to Action (CTA)
An explainer video should not just explain. It should also tell the viewer what to do next. Whether that is signing up, visiting a page, or watching another video, a clear CTA is important. A videos company will usually include this towards the end of the video, supported by on-screen text or simple visuals that reinforce the message.
Problem and Solution Driven
People watch explainer videos because they are looking for answers. A good video identifies a problem early on and offers a solution that makes sense. A videos company tends to approach this with structure: identify the challenge, introduce the product or service, and show how it solves the issue. This makes the content practical and helpful, rather than just promotional.
Brand and Audience Alignment
An explainer video should match your brand’s tone and speak to the audience it is intended for. A light and fun animation might work well for a lifestyle brand but feel off for a financial service. A videos company considers things like colour, tone, voiceover style, and even pacing to make sure the video reflects both the company and the people it is trying to reach.
High Quality Audio and Visuals
A video that looks or sounds off will distract the viewer from the message. Clear visuals, clean audio, and smooth transitions show that care was taken, which builds trust.
Types of Explainer Videos
1. Animated Explainer Videos
Animated explainers are often the first choice for businesses that need to explain ideas that are abstract, technical, or service-based. They offer flexibility and allow visuals that are not possible with live action.
Whiteboard Animation
This style shows hand-drawn illustrations appearing in real time as a voice explains each part. A videos company might use this for training or educational content where step-by-step visuals are helpful.
Motion Graphics
These are slick, dynamic visuals that use movement and design to present information. Motion graphics work well for more formal subjects like finance or software.
Infographics
This format uses data, numbers, and facts in a clean, animated format. A videos company may suggest this when statistics need to be presented clearly.
Character-Driven
Animated characters can humanise a brand. These videos often show a character facing a challenge and finding a solution, which helps the viewer follow along.
Product Demonstration
Animations are also helpful for showing how a digital product works, especially for apps or platforms. A videos company may animate interface elements to walk users through the experience.
2. Live Action Explainer Videos
Live action videos use real people and locations. These are useful when the human element matters, such as introducing a team, showing a workspace, or offering a service where trust is important.
3. Crowdfunding Explainer Videos
When trying to raise funds for a product or idea, a crowdfunding video is often the first impression. These typically explain what the project is, why it matters, and what support is needed.
How to Make Explainer Videos
Creating an explainer video involves several distinct stages, each shaped by the chosen format, whether animated or live action. The approach a videos company takes will differ based on style, message, and purpose, ensuring each stage serves the final result effectively.
1. Pre-Production
This is where ideas are developed. It includes:
- Concept Development and Planning: What is the purpose of the video?
- Scriptwriting: The script is written with the audience in mind.
- Storyboarding or Shot List: This is the visual plan, whether drawn for animation or written for filming.
2. Production
Depending on the format:
- Animation: A videos company would design and create the animation assets, focusing on style and pace.
- Live Action: Filming begins with a crew, and everything is recorded according to the plan.
3. Post-Production
This stage brings everything together:
- Editing the footage or animation
- Adding voiceover and sound
- Adjusting timing and visuals
A videos company ensures each part works smoothly so the final video is easy to understand and looks complete.
4. Final Distribution
Once the video is ready, it needs to be placed where people will see it. This could be your website, social channels, or part of an email campaign. A videos company may assist in making sure the file formats, versions, and visuals are all optimised for where they will be used.
Are Explainer Videos Effective?
Yes, and for good reason. Explainer videos offer a range of practical benefits that make them worth considering in almost any communication strategy.
Cost-Effective and Scalable
You can make one video and use it across different platforms, website, social, email, which helps reduce the need to explain the same thing in multiple places.
Saves Time
Explainer videos can answer questions upfront, saving time for both the business and its audience.
Highly Shareable
Short videos are easy to share and are more likely to be passed around than a blog post or long article.
Enhances SEO and Web Traffic
Videos help increase the time people spend on your website, which can improve your search engine ranking.
Increases Conversions and Sales
When people understand what you offer, they are more likely to take action. A good explainer video can help move someone from interest to decision.
Turns Complex into Simplified
This is what explainer videos do best. They remove the extra layers and keep things easy to follow.
FAQs About a Videos Company
The purpose is to clearly explain a product, service, or concept in a way that is quick to understand and visually interesting.
Any business that has something to explain. This includes tech companies, services, retailers, educational groups, and more.
It depends on the type of video and how complex the content is. A videos company would usually give a timeline after the initial planning phase.
Neither is better, it depends on the message. A videos company can recommend the best format based on the audience and content.
Explainer Videos, Explained
Explainer videos are a smart way to help people understand what you do and why it matters. They are short, useful, and designed to work across different platforms. Whether animated or filmed, a videos company can help plan, create, and deliver the right type of explainer video for your business. When done well, they make ideas easier to follow and help your audience stay informed without needing to dig through paragraphs of explanation. So next time someone asks what your business does, you can just send them the video.
Need help saying more with fewer words (and better visuals)? That is exactly what we do. At Sound Idea Digital, we make explainer videos that are easy to follow and easy to share. If that sounds like something your brand could use, get in touch, we are ready when you are.
We are a full-service Web Development and Content Production Agency in Gauteng specialising in Video Production, Animation, eLearning Content Development, Learning Management Systems, and Content Production.
Contact us for a quote. | enquiries@soundidea.co.za | https://www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za| +27 82 491 5824 |
Need Some More Explaining?
Explainer videos cover more ground than most people expect, and there is always more to unpack. Whether you’re wondering how they differ from product videos, how humour plays a role, or how camera work adds extra clarity, we have you covered. These related articles take the conversation a bit further and offer a few more useful bits to think about.
Video Production Agencies: Product & Explainer Videos